15.07.2021Grand Prix cancelled again, but we are ready to race in 2022!
Our thoughts and best wishes go out to our member the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and their amazing staff as they face the reality that the 2021 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled again due to restrictions and logistical challenges relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Phillip Island motorcycle MotoGP which is also delivered by the AGPC team has also been cancelled for 2021.
Andrew Westacott, CEO of the AGPC and his team are recognised worldwide for delivering the most amazing events on the Global Grand Prix Circuits.
Considering all the planning and global negotiation undertaken, the cancellation in 2020 and now in 2021, the AGPC team is to be applauded for its resilience and determination to keep Melbourne on the world stage.
The Melbourne Grand Prix was cancelled on the day it was to begin in March 2020 due to the pandemic. This year’s event was moved from March to November before being cancelled in a decision announced last week.
Melbourne can say with pride that it is ‘ready to race’ when we can and our focus now must turn to the 2022 calendar and the successful delivery of the Melbourne Grand Prix.
With increased global competition for international events, it is critical we set our sights on a successful 2022 event and our position on the world stage.
AGPC Andrew Westacott reflected on the decision last Tuesday “we understand this is not the news anyone wanted to hear”, he said.
“There are bound to be ongoing challenges with COVID-19, but I want to reassure fans that while there is sadness and disappointment amongst our wonderful AGPC staff, there is a tenacity and determination to make sure the next episodes of MotoGP™ at the island and Formula 1® at the new Albert Park layout, are sensational showcases of how we do things in Victoria.”
Victoria’s contract for the Formula One Grand Prix runs until 2025 and the MotoGP contract expires in 2026.
The Committee’s Road to Recovery Taskforce and Visitor Economy Reference Group are working with members and government on ways to reposition our major events calendar on the global stage.
For more information please contact our Visitor Economy Reference Group.
Message form Andrew Westacott, AGPC CEO